"I used to enjoy your ex-wife," Marla explained with a twitch at the corner of her mouth. "But abandoning you for another man like that is beyond my understanding."
"Marla, my wife. Who gave you the impression that she left me for another man, by the way? As I believed during our divorce proceeding, I learned that all of her outward infidelity was a deception. Back then, she never cheated on me, which I blindly believe."
"God, oh God!" Marla exclaimed in shock. "What a big lie! Is that what she claimed to be when the video clearly showed that she was-"
"Cut that crap, Marla. I don't want to hear any of that nonsense. Save her from your bias. You are unaware of the specifics."
"Now what? Are you siding with her because you were in bed with her for less than an hour?"
His face was etched with anger at what his sister had said. "Marla, watch what you say. Because the divorce was not public, so Rafa is still my wife. And let me add that I shouldn't have trusted that video. I slept with my wife that night before she left me. Thus, it was all a lie."
"Great! My brother now is being referred to as a hero," Marla laughed sarcastically. "Are you saying you want her back and break up with your girlfriend who stuck by you and gave you the support you needed to get back on your feet?"
A moment of silence she followed.
"Are you saying that your fake divorce is why she returned?” She continued when he didn’t reply.
"You could put it that way."
"Then, is she going to demand money from you?"
"Please, put an end to your shenanigans. She never expressed interest in my checking account. She wanted me to fly to Las Vegas and file the divorce if it made you feel better." He made a tight lip seal.
"Oh!"
"Right. You made a mistake with your preconceived notions about Rafa. Keep your opinions to yourself from now on because I won't put up with any more of your ridiculous accusations. Why, for instance, wasn't I informed that she had been calling?"
"I didn't want to bother you because I didn't think it was serious enough. You need to focus on the present, not the past, because we have some important deals."
"Well, you messed up this time. It appears the attorney did not file the petition—your boyfriend, your husband now. He handled my divorce pretty well. Thanks to him, I am still married to Rafaella. That means I can't marry Sandy, which is fantastic news."
A startled silence greeted his explanation. When his sister did respond, her tone was abrupt despite speaking through gritted teeth.
"That is not possible."
"Our divorce matter will be resolved tomorrow, I suppose. You could now want to follow the same procedure with the remaining divorce documents involving your husband. And I want him to come and see me right here first thing in the morning to fix this situation."
"I'll take care of everything, so don't worry. In the morning, Lance will be there."
"Alright. Greetings, Marla. I’m off."
THAT EVENING, as Alexus awaited the return of his physical therapist, Marla, and the two legal counsels of their textiles company unexpectedly showed up.
"What's happening?" He enquired of her. He anticipated getting a headache from watching them argue before him as they entered.
She explained, "Until we resolve your divorce situation, I can't sleep."
“And whose idea is this coming here? Sandy?”
The Two lawyers looked at each other while Marla walked in. Alexus shook his head and followed his sister.
A little while later, they talked face-to-face in his study room about his problem. As the attorneys reviewed the documents again, Alexus shifted in his chair. They have been carrying this out for a while. Even his sister was showing signs of impatience.
"It's a catastrophe." Latimer Textiles Industry Chief Counsel David Hanford ran a hand through his thick brown hair. David's rage was audible throughout the entire space.
"For an unintimidating woman, you're being excessive. She never showed any interest in my possessions, "Alexus crossed his arms and mumbled.
"Alexus, you're not paying attention to me. Before the divorce starts, there are too many legal kinks to work out."
Marla Latimer shifted her gaze to David. "What about the house you bought for them, which you freely returned when the divorce was unmistakably final? If she refuses to cooperate, won't we take it back?"
David pulled out the bottom and read the papers. "We might conclude that Alexus still owns the property because of the terms of the agreement and the fact that the divorce was not fully processed. That isn't much trouble if he can count it. After all, his name is on the deed's registration. It will be a protracted war with a hazy conclusion. And that's just one illustration of the chaos it generates. Numerous hundreds more exist."
He then turned to face Alexus. "Although there are too many issues, I understand you want this to end. A hasty divorce at this point is not an option. We'll consider ourselves lucky if we resolve everything by year's end. If the woman cooperates, that is."
One of the junior counselors, Martin Healey, one of the junior counsels taking notes on a yellow pad, looked up. "Remember to publicize. They'll have a field day when the statements get their hands on it. It won't make the stockholders happy. With the release of new textiles planned in a few months, we cannot afford any negative press."
Alexus muted a groan. He hardly remembers their impending launch among all the forgetting, emotional chaos.
“What do you advise that I do then?”
"You should first speak with her. Before we know what she will accept, we are powerless to take action."
As Alexus started to object, David raised his hand.
"You must bring some documents that Martin and I will complete. We can at least begin if she signs them. Additionally, it will shield you from the media while we handle the legal aspect of the situation. While you're away, Marla can return and take care of the business. The stockholders will be pleased with that."
Marla stood up from the chair, went to the window, and returned inside. "It is not conceivable. He's unable to return there. You understand what a fool my brother is to still really want her."
Alexus vehemently disputed it, "I am not."
"You continue to deny it. It's at its worst."
Shaking his head, David is forced to choose Marla. "This woman might destroy Latimer's business. She is in complete control."
"Why not simply send her the documents?" Marla suggested.
"She could not be aware of what she could do to us. She might have some ideas if we start handing out release documents and asking her to sign them." The attorney again shook his head. "No, we require Alexus to support her and hold it. More than everyone else here, he is familiar with her."
While his sister stayed mute, Alexus was speechless. "I fail to see why I can't board a plane and obtain an immediate divorce. No mess. She claimed that all she wants is a divorce judgment."
"Alexus, use your judgment. There have been five years. You are a shareholder and the CEO of a sizable corporation. Rafaella can own a piece of the company if she wants to cause trouble."
"How?" He glanced at his sister, who was peacefully seated at the other end of the table with her hands curled around the logo of her pricey Hermès Kelly Rose Gold bag.
"You've spent the last five years single. She has other grounds for claiming abandonment. Every week, a photo of you and a different female appears in the newspaper. How challenging do you believe it will be for her to prove her infidelity? You better believe she will prevail in the courtroom and win big if she pursues this."
"How about her betrayal? God forbid she claimed to love this man, "Alexus exploded. She also just so happened to be my half-brother's girlfriend."
The two attorneys looked at each other.
David shook his head and answered, "No. The late Luigi should not be included in this chaos. Don't become involved in."
"Why not," Alexus asked, giving the man a direct gaze.
The lawyer retorted, "That's impossible what you're saying. Luigi could never be with her even if she were as beautiful as your wife."
"Don't be too cryptic, David. Your time is being wasted. "With a smirk, Alexus said.
"I'm amazed you weren't aware of Luigi's real identity. He is gay." Dryly, David said.
Alexus was unable to speak. Only his hand moved, scraping his hair away from his temple with his fingers.
"Gay?" He repeated incredulously. "Really?"
"Yes, he was, and his boyfriend killed him. Having the impression that he was cheating on your wife. Because there would be social media reactions, we can't mention his name."
Christ! Quietly, Alexus whispered. For some reason that he couldn't understand, he sensed that Rafaella was lying when she claimed to be his sweetheart. What other lies remained? To make his point, the attorney raised a finger. "We need to show he wasn't the only one to have a sexual encounter with her." "Are you saying that the only way to get a divorce is to turn her into a whore?" Alexus gave David a stern look while seeming irate. "Yes, something like that to prevent her from receiving anything." He mumbled under his steely exterior, "David, I'm not buying that. I'm sorry, but I disagree with you regarding my wife's reputation. Her lack of promiscuity is too much. No way." Marla intervened, saying, "Alex, try to be objective. She is with someone else, as you just stated. Then perhaps she wants you to end things soon so she can wed." "Whatever. I want it done well without putting her down, "Alexus answered. "Perhaps I can get her to agree to anything before I go and file it in
She turned to face the man in the elevator. He looked back at her, and an idea crossed her mind. When she told Oscar he was her lover, she overheard him chuckling. He confronted Oscar, whose ears grew pink, and then strolled away to demonstrate his point by coming to her side and bringing her closer to him. When she overheard him speaking to someone on his mobile phone, she realized he was gay. He grinned broadly as he extended his hand to her. Rafaella hoped that her steadfast relationship would enable her to escape the terrible circumstances she had found herself in. She had no idea why she had a stalker all of a sudden. As he held the elevator door, Luigi reassured her, "Complete discretion." Starting with that hallway encounter, she and Luigi became best buddies. After she unexpectedly called him for security protection, he became her excellent buddy and was ready to assist her and treat her like a VIP at his friend's business. As she and Luigi started to stroll down the thickl
"If they haven't already left the hotel, that is," Alexus remarked dryly. "My life is in chaos every time she's here," he said grimly. "So you would prepare that you don't see her around?" Alexus opted not to respond, but his demeanor was anything from happy. "How come you got married to her in the first place?" He gave him a scathing glance. He could not talk about his relationship with Rafaella without feeling regret, especially what went wrong after their marriage. "I've previously questioned whether the events in your marriage are still impacting you. Your current state of agitation proves that everything in your life is spiraling out of control. Since you engaged me to take care of your injury five years ago, I have only learned a little about your marriage. And most often, when you're angry and complaining about how foolish you are." Alexus let out a long sigh. "I wed her by proxy just a few days before she became 18." "What?" He gave him a stern look. "For this reason, I
Alexus jerked from his reverie when he felt a hand gripping him on his shoulder and met the eyes of his Physical Therapist. He didn't realize tears were falling down his face. He quietly ran his palm on his face to wife it. "Are you alright?" Timothy enquired. He studied the distressed CEO intently, a look of worry on his face. He took a deep breath and shook his head. He was watching the emergency entrance with concern. "Did you hear anything from the doctor that examined her?" "No, and that only makes it worse. I'm going insane while waiting here, anticipating the worse." "Alex, you can't be acting like this. Be upbeat and consider the children's feelings." "What, children?" He inquired, appearing perplexed. Timothy stared at him and shook his head. He realized Alexus was not in the right mind to handle another issue. AFTER MIDNIGHT, the surgeon informed Alexus that his wife's procedure had been completed and was a success. Within twenty-four hours, she was supposed to be awa
"I don't dispute that. But Alex, it's just for fundamental gratification. Not enough for me to want to wed him." "Well, that's your issue, and I'd rather not be part of that. And never claim you wanted to be my fiancee because you love me. Then we have a different outlook on loving someone." "Alex-" "Sandy, no. Enough already. As you know, I am still married and would like to try it again with my wife." "Even when she betrayed you many times?" Hoarse laughing was heard coming from Alexus's mouth. "She didn't, in my opinion. And I chastised myself for assuming the worst. She might have, but I still want her back." "You're nuts!" "Spare me this name-calling, Sandy. Have a good time. Bye." And as if nothing had happened, he pocketed his mobile phone again when he saw Timothy enter the room. Timothy patted his shoulder and grinned at him, saying, "I'm happy you look better than the last time I saw you. Guess what." "You tell me, and stop seizing me with your eyes," he stated. He w
He commented, "That was quick service." Lance grinned, "Most folks here know me. One of my clients owns the business. " "Good business you have, but not to what you did though I wouldn't mind now that the hazy side of my messy problem started to put some light," he stated, veiling reference to what Lance said. "My sister told you why I wanted to see you, so I guess you knew. But make it brief and to the point because I don't have much time now." "So much the better, as I prefer it that way," Lance nodded. "But first, I wanted to apologize for waiting until today to meet you though I expected this moment when you discovered what I did. You'll learn I did not file your petition, which grounds my practice. I thought you would learn the truth quickly, and it bothered me, but I was waiting for you to confront me first." "Why?" At last, he asked that question that made him wonder overnight. "I was waiting for you to retract your decision." "Why would you think I will?" "I was aware of
"You have a dual face. Since when do you know?" "From the start." Marla pushed her chair aside and took a seat once more. Marla's action roused her, but Alexus leaped to his feet, his leg yelling in protest. But this time, he focused on the suffering and invited it—anything to prevent him from encircling his sister's neck and strangling her to death. He positioned his hands on the table straight to keep them steady and bowed toward his sister. "Would you mind explaining why this would be your first time saying it? Why did you think I wasn't entitled to know about my children?" "Your children?" Surprised, Marla repeated what her brother had said. "How can you be sure those kids are yours?" "Don't try to poison my mind now, as I know, even without a DNA test, that those children are mine. Don't you dare question my claim? Or else you'll find yourself on the street empty-handed." The anger he couldn't control caused a blood vessel to pulsate in his face. As she thought about Alexus
"No." The legal advisor sat in one of the leather seats in front of the workspace. "She is unaware that I am here. Alexus, we need to chat. I don't want you to enter that situation blindly.""Blind?" As the new development caused fresh pain to emanate from his haven, he shook his head and retreated. "I believe this may be the first time in my life that everything is crystal clear.""Not if you believe that doing so will prevent your wife from divorcing you."Alexus smirked. " Oh, I realized she has the right to divorce me, but I'm not attending to grant her one."David faltered. "That's something else. With this trust financing, you'll prevent her from obtaining anything, but what about those around you? How will you survive in the unlikely event that you invest all of your resources in it?""That's my sole concern, David. I have faith that my wife is unique compared to those around me. Not a shark, Not at all. I need her to face all the blood-sucker parasites around me!"Alexus had a